I'm not sure if you're referring to the farm (watering the crops) or the field on the east side of the village (watering the field). If it's the crops, the time that you have to wait is dependent upon game speed like Michelle said. If it's the field - that takes awhile to happen, and depends upon how many villagers are working at it. As long as your villagers are "watering the field" and not "trying to water..." it will work.
